Page 12 - The Cormorant 2018
P. 12

Maritime Service Introduction
Lieutenant Commander Ian Colley
 What RAF100 means to me Wing Commander Martin Higgins
THE ROYAL AIR FORCE Aerobatic Team, The Red Arrows, is a great British brand that has thrilled audiences in the UK and in over 57 countries around the world. As the Team enters its 54th flying display season,
the 135 personnel comprising Regular, Reserve, MoD Civil Servants and
contractors will strive to be worthy once again of the unit’s motto, Eclat (‘brilliance’). The RAF100 theme encapsulates the Team’s aim since its formation in 1964, particularly the goal to inspire the next generation of engineers, operators and support personnel who will deliver world-leading Air Power for decades to come. On reflection, I was very lucky to be part of the Red Arrows. Not only did we have the privilege to represent all 3 Services around the world, it also convinced me that ordinary people can achieve extraordinary things through strong teamwork and a persistent pursuit of excellence. This year will be an exciting and proud year for
the RAF and its display team, and I am looking forward to seeing the full RAF100 programme of events.
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“THIS HOUSE BELIEVES THAT the United Kingdom can proudly declare 2017 as the Year of the Royal Navy”. The motion was carried on
the vote swing, but the absolute numbers told a different story. At least the participating 40 Naval and nine Royal Marine Officers
together with three civil servants were better informed than they had been two weeks previously, following a comprehensive warts-and- all update on all things Maritime.
The maritime introduction to ACSC 21 started just as a National Security and Capability Review (NSCR) was getting underway and this provided
“
the backdrop to many of the discussions during the phase. It soon became clear that the Royal Navy was committed to maintaining the Continuous At Sea Deterrent, introducing Carrier Enabled Power Projection and delivering a credible amphibious capability. It also became clear, during a visit to Navy Command Headquarters, that paying for all three would be a challenge.
It wasn’t all high-end warfighting and financial skulduggery. International maritime governance, business, and maritime security (who can forget the jet skis?) were all on the agenda with everyone feeling that they had learnt something new. ‘Command
in Close Combat’ delivered by Brigadier Charlie Stickland OBE brought the theory on the Operational Level into sharp relief and illustrated the human cost of conflict. Rear Admiral Bob Tarrant CB, as the
outgoing Commander Operations, highlighted the high tempo of blue water operations and why the Submarine Service might be silent but not still.
‘Our People’ was a constant theme throughout the stage, from the truly slick Royal Navy Presentation Team to a thoughtful reminder from Capt Ellie Ablett of the civilian-to-sailor transition. All the maritime ACSC students certainly appreciated the time away from busy staff or operational appointments to reflect on who we all really work for.
With a fitness test to round off the phase and reconnaissance of the drinking holes in Shrivenham village complete, it is fair to claim that the maritime cohort was fully refreshed and ready to contribute to the joint and multi-national environment of ACSC.
    It wasn’t
all high- end warfighting
and financial skulduggery. ◆◆◆
  












































































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